T20 World Cup: tension in the camp of South Africa because of the knee socket
Cricket South Africa on Tuesday ordered its players to kneel down ahead of their T20 World Cup matches in support of the « Black Lives Matter » movement, a directive that led Kock’s Quinton to withdraw from the game against the West Indies and expose the internal flaws in the matter.
In a shocking move, goalkeeper-beater Kock made himself unavailable for selection in South Africa’s Group 1 Super 12 stage match against the West Indies in Dubai on Tuesday, his decision coming after the diktat of the THAT’S IT.
The board said it would wait for a report from management before deciding on the next step.
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« Cricket South Africa (CSA) has acknowledged the personal decision of South African wicket keeper Quinton de Kock not to ‘kneel down’ before Tuesday’s game against the West Indies, » CSA said in a statement.
De Kock has also expressed his reluctance to make the gesture in the past, saying, “It’s everyone’s decision; no one is forced to do anything, not in life. That’s how I see things. «
De Kock found the support of his captain Temba Bavuma, the first black to lead the team. Bavuma also said that « it was not ideal » to get a directive on the knee grip a few hours before the start of the match.
“As far as we’re concerned, Quinton is still one of the players. He’s still one of the boys, so whatever support he needs, whatever shoulder he needs from his teammates, we’ll be there for him, ”he said.
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“If it’s necessary to have other conversations, I’m sure these will certainly happen between the guys. «
The country’s cricket council, meanwhile, has called on players to follow the diktat and present a united front, citing the country’s apartheid past when black players were not allowed to make national teams.
« All the players had been required, in accordance with a directive from the board of directors of the CSA on Monday evening, to » put the knee to the ground « in a united and coherent position against racism.
“It is also the global gesture against racism that has been adopted by athletes through sports codes because they recognize the power of sport to bring people together. «
The ASC decision aims to make it clear that the board is serious about fighting racism and all forms of discrimination in gambling.
“After considering all the relevant issues, including the freedom of choice of players, the board made it clear that it was imperative that the team be seen to take a stand against racism, especially given the history of SA.
“The Council was of the opinion that while diversity can and should be expressed in many facets of daily life, this does not apply when it comes to taking a stand against racism.
“The Board will await a further report from the team leadership before deciding on the next steps. All players must follow this guideline for the remaining World Cup matches. «
South African cricketers have apparently been divided on the issue and ahead of their T20 World Cup opener against Australia players were seen standing, kneeling or raising their fists.
Pacer Anrich Nortje and wicket keeper Heinrich Klaasen held their hands behind their backs even as their teammates used different ways to express their support for the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement. On Tuesday, these two players knelt with the rest of the squad.
In recent months, an investigation has also been carried out into revelations made by black players about the feeling of isolation in the team. The team is currently led by Temba Bavuma, who is Proteas’s first black captain.
The cricket fraternity has also reacted to de Kock’s sudden decision to step back from the game that is vital for his team.
Before the start of the match, Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik tweeted: « Kock’s Quinton is not playing because of his stance on the BLM (Black Lives Matter) movement, » with an image of de Kock refusing to step up. knees.
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson said there must be « internal issues ».
“Huge shock. Something has to be happening internally, ”Watson said on Star Sports.
Former West Indies captain Brian Lara said de Kock’s absence would benefit the West Indies.
“It will be a big advantage for the West Indies now that de Kock is no longer playing,” said Lara.
Earlier today, the CSA said that « concerns had been expressed that the different positions taken by team members in favor of the BLM initiative were creating an unintended perception of disparity or lack of support. on the initiative « .
“Getting down on your knees is the global gesture against racism adopted by athletes around the world. «
The Indian cricket team had also gone to their knees ahead of their tournament opener against Pakistan on Sunday.
The CSA has pledged its support for the BLM movement.
“Race should not be manipulated to amplify our weaknesses. Diversity can and should be expressed in many facets of our daily lives, but not when it comes to taking a stand against racism, ”said Lawson Naidoo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CSA.
“South Africans were recently joined by people from around the world to celebrate the 90th birthday of our revered Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
“What better tribute from the Proteas to an icon in the struggle for freedom in South Africa than to demonstrate that we are working to realize his vision of a united South Africa. «
Former England captain Michael Vaughan offered his support to de Kock.
“Surely, it is up to the individual to decide if he wants to be involved in a movement. A cricket board should ask players to do it but if that individual decides he doesn’t want too much (sic) game of cricket, ”he tweeted.
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